Darren Bent completes Fulham loan move

Fulham have signed Darren Bent on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.

Bent (29) was Villa's record signing when arrived from Sunderland in January 2011 but he slipped behind Christian Benteke in the pecking order at Villa Park last season.

Fulham manager Martin Jol signed Bent when he was in charge of Tottenham and is delighted to bring the England international to Craven Cottage.

Jol said: "Darren Bent is a striker I have always admired. He has shown in the Barclays Premier League that he is composed and clinical in front of goal but, even if he is not scoring, he is involved in some good link-up play, creating opportunities for his team-mates.

“I’m delighted that he has joined us, he gives us pace up front and I am confident that he will add to our goals scored tally this season.”

It is understood the deal does not include an option to buy next summer, with the Cottagers paying a loan fee and Bent’s wages in full for the duration of his stay in west London.

Bent scored six goals in 23 appearances for Villa last season.

He becomes Jol's seventh summer signing following the arrivals of Adel Taarabt, Fernando Amorebieta, Derek Boateng, Sasha Riether, Ange-Freddy Plumain and Maarten Stekelenburg.

Meanwhile, Villa have also allowed striker Nathan Delfouneso to rejoin Blackpool on loan until January 1st, having spent last season at Bloomfield Road.